What kinds of supporting documents might I need?
The documentation you will be required to supply to Spanish authorities will depend on the visa route and your own personal circumstances. Here is a list of some of the supporting documents you may be asked to prepare, before your consular meeting.
ACRO / Criminal Background Checks
You may be asked to provide Spanish authorities with a criminal background check in support of your application – known as ACRO, CRB, or DBS checks. A successful check will satisfy Spanish government officials that you are of ‘good character’.
The UK Criminal Records Office is the governmental agency tasked with checking up on the police records of individuals who want to live or work abroad, or apply for a job that involves working with children.
The process of applying for and using an ACRO check begins with an application to the Criminal Records Office, either online or by post. You will be required to provide proof of identity, home address, as well as photographs. Once processed, your certificate will be sent to the address supplied in the application.
For an ACRO check to be deemed valid by Spanish authorities, in support of your visa application, it must be legalised by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Notarisation is not necessary as ACROs are issued by an official governmental body – the UK Criminal Records Office.
Medical Certificate of Good Health
A medical certificate provides assurances to Spanish authorities that you are of ‘good health’ – in line with the specifications of the International Health Regulations (2005). The certificate confirms that you are free of any diseases that could cause serious repercussions to public health.
Once, it would have been necessary to arrange an appointment with your doctor and for them to sign and stamp your medical certificate personally. The document would then need to be legalised by the FCDO and then translated by a sworn translator.
Now, though, it is possible to obtain a medical certificate of good health quickly and easily, without the need for further processing. Simply fill out our online application form to receive your medical certificate within 3 working days.
Private Medical Insurance
For some visa routes, particularly those that do not allow you to access the Spanish healthcare system, you may be required to provide proof of private medical insurance.
We partner with medical insurance providers that specialise in cover for foreign visa applications in Spain.
Qualification Certificate
If you intend to work while in Spain, or apply for a working visa, you may be required to provide copies of your qualifications. Qualifications might include degrees, diplomas, and TEFL qualifications.
Depending on the particular qualification, it may be necessary to have the document notarised, legalised, and translated.
Birth Certificate
If you intend to apply for a Spanish visa with a dependant child, it may be necessary to provide Spanish authorities with a birth certificate, proving that your relationship is genuine.
Birth certificates must be legalised and translated by a Sworn Translator, before submission.
Marriage Certificate
If you intend to apply for a Spanish visa with a dependant partner or spouse, it may be necessary to provide Spanish authorities with a marriage certificate or similar document, proving that your relationship is genuine.
Marriage certificates must be legalised and translated by a Sworn Translator, before submission.
ACRO / Criminal Background Checks
You may be asked to provide Spanish authorities with a criminal background check in support of your application – known as ACRO, CRB, or DBS checks. A successful check will satisfy Spanish government officials that you are of ‘good character’. The ACRO is usually used for overseas matters; we can assist you with it.
The UK Criminal Records Office is the governmental agency tasked with checking up on the police records of individuals who want to live or work abroad, or apply for a job that involves working with children.
The process of applying for and using an ACRO check begins with an application to the Criminal Records Office, either online or by post. You will be required to provide proof of identity, home address, as well as photographs. Once processed, your certificate will be sent to the address supplied in the application.
The Criminal Records Office has a standard application process and a premium application process to get an ACRO. Standard takes up to 20 days, and premium takes up to two days; this does not include postage time.
For an ACRO check to be deemed valid by Spanish authorities, in support of your visa application, it must be legalised by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Notarisation is not necessary as ACROs are issued by an official governmental body – the UK Criminal Records Office.
Medical Certificate of Good Health
A Medical Certificate provides assurances to Spanish authorities that you are of ‘good health’ . The certificate confirms that you are free of any diseases that could cause serious repercussions to public health.
Only a doctor can declare you to be in good health. Good health is determined according to the International Health Regulation (2005).
It is acceptable for your doctor to write their own Medical Certificate of Good Health for you, provided that it specifically references the International Health Regulation (2005) – otherwise it will not be valid.
Private Medical Insurance
For some visa routes, particularly those that do not allow you to access the Spanish healthcare system, you may be required to provide proof of private medical insurance.
We partner with medical insurance providers that specialise in cover for foreign visa applications in Spain.
Qualification Certificate
If you intend to work while in Spain, or apply for a working visa, you may be required to provide copies of your qualifications. Qualifications might include degrees, diplomas, and TEFL qualifications.
Depending on the particular qualification, it may be necessary to have the document notarised, legalised, and translated.
Birth Certificate
If you intend to apply for a Spanish visa with a dependant child, it may be necessary to provide Spanish authorities with a birth certificate, proving that your relationship is genuine.
Birth certificates must be legalised and translated by a Sworn Translator, before submission.
Marriage Certificate
If you intend to apply for a Spanish visa with a dependant partner or spouse, it may be necessary to provide Spanish authorities with a marriage certificate or similar document, proving that your relationship is genuine.
Marriage certificates must be legalised and translated by a Sworn Translator, before submission.
